Paul V. Goethe

Paul Vernon Goethe, 63, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 25, 2017, in Rockford, IL. Born November 24, 1953, to Vernon and Helen (Murphy) Goethe.
Raised in Rockford, Paul was the fourth child and oldest son. He loved to take things apart, make up games, play cards with his sisters, and tease his little brothers. Throughout his life, Paul enjoyed travel and outdoor adventures - white water rafting, canoeing the Kishwaukee River, swimming in the ocean, hiking in the Smokies, Rockies, and Grand Tetons, playing tennis with the grandkids, camping. For years he played soccer and watched his girls do the same. He was completely devoted to his grandkids and was their biggest fan. A carpenter at heart, he always had a lot of projects going on, whether they were at his house or any of his family members’ houses. A lifelong learner, Paul took the time to teach others how to fix things while they worked together. After graduating from Boylan in 1971, he met Cathy Spahn, the new girl across the street, and they were married on June 9, 1972. Paul and Cathy created a beautiful life together and enjoyed hosting many family gatherings including Thanksgiving and annual homemade pizza parties with dough flying everywhere. They relished being members of the Rockford community and being active in events such as building the Discovery Center playground, attending Royals, Thunder, and Ice Hog games, and listening to music at On The Waterfront. Paul worked at numerous jobs, most recently at On-Site Woodwork Corporation as an Estimator in charge of bidding and design. Paul was a loving and selfless husband, son, brother, father, and grandpa, and he will be greatly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife, Cathy, of Rockford; daughters, Tracy (Matt) Thumm, Katie (Rick Hernandez) Goethe, Sara (Nick Marmion) Goethe; five grandchildren, Ryan, Lorelei, Colleen, Martin, and Andrew; father, Vernon Goethe, 99; siblings, Mary Lou (Eric) Nordstrom, Dolores (Jim) Hollingsed, Ron Goethe, Jerry (Robin) Goethe; in-laws, Gil and Betty Spahn; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased in death by his mother, Helen Goethe; sister, Barbara, and brother-in-law, Donn Woodworth.

Funeral Mass Monday, June 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Rockford. Visitation Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 2-5 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation continues on Monday at church from 10:30 until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers memorials in Paul’s name to: Presence St. Anne Center or Northern Illinois Hospice Association. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com